South Bank traveller site gets £850,000 boost

More than £850,000 is to be spent on improving facilities at a Gypsy and travellers' site on Teesside.

Redcar and Cleveland Council currently provides 13 pitches, which include toilet and bathing facilities, at The Haven in South Bank.

The authority has been given a share of a £60m government fund to boost the number of pitches to 18 as well as improve access to the site.

The council said the cash would secure the site's long-term future.

Lynn Pallister, the council's cabinet member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, said: "We are really pleased to have secured this funding as it will enable further development and upgrading of the Gypsy and travellers' site, securing its long-term future.

"This initiative will make a real difference to the travelling community as well as help reduce unauthorised sites."